BOSTON – Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey signed a bill into law Thursday banning the use of PFAS chemicals in fire gear by 2027.
PFAS releases carcinogens
“This silent killer that’s been out there actually among us for years,” the governor said from the Grand Staircase of the Statehouse. “PFAS – dangerous, dangerous chemicals.”
While PFAS is largely heat, oil and water resistant, it also releases carcinogens that when inhaled or absorbed into the skin can have harmful, even deadly effects.
“He just lived for the job. That cancer diagnosis really took everything from him,” said Diane Cotter.
Diane’s husband, Paul Cotter, was a Worcester firefighter for 28 years until prostate cancer forced him to walk away from the job he loved. One look at his gear and Diane realized the material was deteriorating.
“I put two and two together and I thought: Why is the gear degrading?” Diane said. “The gear is not protecting us.”
The chemicals it was releasing – linked to devastating illnesses.